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- 8 oz egg noodles - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making creamy cafeteria noodles. You will need 8 oz of egg noodles, which provide a great base. A tablespoon of olive oil adds flavor. You also need one small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic for a savory touch. Next, one cup of heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. One cup of grated Parmesan cheese brings a nice salty taste. Adding a cup of frozen peas not only adds color but also sweetness. A teaspoon of dried Italian herbs gives it an aromatic twist. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, fresh chopped parsley makes a lovely garnish. Once you have all these ingredients, you are ready to follow the full recipe and enjoy a simple yet tasty dish! To cook egg noodles, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. You want them al dente, so they have a slight bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside. For perfect texture, make sure not to overcook them. This keeps them from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. This adds a lovely aroma. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, like oregano and basil. Stir well and let this cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Now, toss the cooked egg noodles into the creamy sauce. Make sure to coat them evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy cafeteria noodles! For the full recipe, refer to the beginning of this article. To get your creamy noodles just right, you can play with the creaminess. If you want a thicker sauce, add more cheese or a bit of flour. For a lighter dish, use less cream or substitute half with broth. You can also use low-fat cream options to cut calories while keeping the flavor. For cheese, Parmesan is great, but you can try other kinds. Cheddar adds a sharp taste, while mozzarella gives a stretchy texture. If you want a bolder flavor, use a mix of cheeses! Adding more veggies is a fun way to boost flavor and nutrition. Try spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just toss them in while the sauce simmers. They cook quickly and add great color. When it comes to spices, don't hold back! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, while paprika can give a smoky touch. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can brighten the dish. Taste your noodles as you go and adjust the seasonings to make them perfect for you. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian twist, you can swap meat for plant-based items. Use mushrooms for a meaty feel. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. Bell peppers brighten the dish with sweetness. Try artichokes or zucchini for unique flavors. These veggies work well with the creamy sauce. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp makes the dish heartier. Cook chicken in the pot before adding the sauce. Dice it into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, add them after the garlic. Cook until they turn pink and curl. Both options make the dish more filling. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free noodles. They come in many shapes and sizes. Look for rice or quinoa noodles for great taste. For dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious. You can find the full recipe for Creamy Cafeteria Noodles to explore all these variations. To keep your creamy cafeteria noodles fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps prevent condensation. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. To reheat, thaw the noodles in the fridge overnight. Warm them in a pot over low heat. You can also use a microwave. Add a splash of cream if they seem dry. Stir well to mix. In the fridge, your creamy cafeteria noodles last about three to five days. Check for any off smells or a change in texture. These can be signs of spoilage. If you see mold or if the noodles feel slimy, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make creamy noodles from scratch, start with good ingredients. You need egg noodles, olive oil, onion, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. First, cook the egg noodles until soft. In a pan, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion until it’s soft, then add garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in cheese until it melts. Combine this sauce with the noodles. This simple process gives you a rich, creamy dish without any store-bought mixes. Yes, you can substitute heavy cream. Some people use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option. This will change the texture and richness a bit. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both add a unique flavor and keep it creamy. Just remember, the taste will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious. You can add many fun ingredients to creamy noodles. Some common choices are: - Cooked chicken or ham - Sautéed mushrooms - Fresh spinach or kale - Sun-dried tomatoes - Broccoli or zucchini These add-ins make the dish heartier and more colorful. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! Absolutely! This recipe is kid-friendly and easy to serve. Kids love creamy noodles because they are soft and rich. You can hide veggies like peas or spinach in the sauce. If your child is picky, serve the noodles plain at first. Once they like it, slowly add more flavors. This way, you introduce them to new tastes while keeping them happy. This blog post covered all the key steps to make creamy noodles. You learned about ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. I shared tips for the right texture and options for different diets. Always feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins. Store your leftovers well to keep them fresh. With these ideas, you can make a dish that suits everyone. Enjoy your creamy noodles and make them your own!

Creamy Cafeteria Noodles

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy cafeteria noodles that's quick and easy to make! This delicious recipe features egg noodles tossed in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, complemented by sweet peas and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to delight. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz egg noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

    In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

          Add the frozen peas and dried Italian herbs to the pot. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

            Toss the cooked egg noodles into the creamy sauce, mixing until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

                Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4